PCR Laboratory Technician

Molecular Laboratory TechnicianRocky Mountain Laboratories – Austin, TXAbout UsRocky Mountain Laboratories is a clinical laboratory providing comprehensive laboratory services. We are dedicated to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic information and are committed to improving healthcare outcomes through cutting-edge technology and a customer-focused approach.PositionWe are seeking a Molecular Laboratory Technician to join our Austin clinical laboratory team. This role is best suited for a technician with recent (within the past 12 months), hands-on molecular experience in a CLIA-regulated diagnostic laboratory.The ideal candidate has independently performed full molecular workflows on human clinical diagnostic specimens, including manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reporting, and can integrate quickly with minimal ramp-up time.Research-only or academic laboratory experience does not meet the clinical bench requirements for this role.Schedule: Tuesdays to Saturdays 10:30 am to 7 pmResponsibilitiesPerform molecular testing (PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and/or NGS) on human clinical specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratory environment, including infectious disease and/or genetic testing panelsIndependently perform full molecular workflows, including specimen accessioning/plating, manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reportingProcess and manage moderate- to high-volume daily specimen workflows while maintaining accuracy and turnaround timesPrepare reagents, controls, and samples with strict adherence to quality standardsSet up, run, and troubleshoot real-time PCR assays and ensure accurate result interpretationDemonstrate clear understanding of PCR workflow steps and quality checkpointsRecord, analyze, and interpret test results; promptly report abnormalitiesMaintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipmentOperate molecular laboratory instrumentation and systems, including real-time PCR platforms (QuantStudio 5/6/12), KingFisher Flex extraction systems, and related molecular lab equipmentPerform quality control and proficiency testingEnsure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory requirementsMaintain organized documentation for audits and inspectionsPrioritize tasks to meet turnaround times in a moderate- to high-volume clinical environmentCollaborate with lab staff and communicate testing updates and issuesMaintain a clean and safe laboratory workspaceAssist with training of new or temporary staff as neededSupport internal audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and special projects as assignedRequired QualificationsCandidates must meet CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing personnel (42 CFR 493.1489):Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technologyOR Associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technologyOR 60 semester hours (with at least 24 in biology and chemistry) plus documented training in molecular biology (minimum 3 months) or an accredited clinical laboratory program(Degrees in non-laboratory fields at any level are not accepted)Additional RequirementsMinimum 1 year of recent hands-on experience performing molecular testing on human clinical diagnostic specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratoryMinimum 6 months of independent manual nucleic acid extraction experience within the past 12 monthsDemonstrated ownership of full molecular workflows, including specimen preparation/plating, manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reportingExperience setting up and resulting real-time PCR assays (qPCR)Ability to clearly articulate hands-on bench responsibilities and workflow steps during interviewDemonstrated ability to follow protocols and perform high-complexity testing under CLIAAbility to work independently with minimal supervision after onboardingStrong attention to detail and consistencyReliable and punctual with strong time management skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office and computer-based data entryClear communication skills and a collaborative team mindsetPreferred QualificationsExperience performing infectious disease molecular testing (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, respiratory panels, STI testing)Experience with KingFisher Flex or similar automated extraction platformsExperience with QuantStudio 5/6/12 or similar real-time PCR systems2+ years of recent experience in a clinical molecular laboratoryExperience in moderate- to high-volume testing environmentsFamiliarity with CLIA/CAP regulations and quality systemsASCP or similar certificationExperience troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipmentPrior participation in lab inspections, audits, or validationsCompensation & BenefitsPay: $22–$27/hour, DOE (set by hiring manager)Benefits for full-time W2 Team Members:Benefits begin 60 days after the first full month of full-time employment.Health, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off (21 days annually for full-time team members)7 Paid Holidays401(k) with 50% Company Match up to 6% ***Health Savings Account (HSA)Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (RML covers 60% of STD premium) ***Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance100% Company-Funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ***Additional InformationIf you meet the qualifications and are interested in this position, please submit your resume for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in this position, please submit your resume for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!At Rocky Mountain Laboratories, we prioritize the care and well-being of our team members.Equal Opportunity Employer StatementRocky Mountain Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce. We comply with all applicable federal and state laws and prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. We also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.Pre-Employment Notice & E-VerifyRocky Mountain Laboratories participates in E-Verify.Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and other pre-employment screenings, as required.Employment with Rocky Mountain Laboratories is at-will. This means either the Team Member or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws. Nothing in this posting or in future communications alters that relationship.While we appreciate interest from staffing agencies, Rocky Mountain Laboratories does not currently partner with external agencies. Resumes submitted unsolicited will not be considered, and no fees will be paid.Please only reference our LinkedIn and Indeed pages for current openings:https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-laboratorieshttps://www.indeed.com/cmp/Rocky-Mountain-Laboratorieshttps://www.rockylabs.com/